“To suggest that I’ve got an axe to grind, I found that really unfair.

“I’ve got a job in the media to call things as I see it, and it’s been really tough at various stages this year to talk about the Saints but to say that I’ve gone over the top in my criticism is not accurate.”

Riewoldt said he had had a number of meetings with Saints stakeholders in recent weeks — including new president Andrew Bassat and Richardson — and wanted the best for the club.

As for the coach, Riewoldt said he and Richardson had a “good relationship” while acknowledging the pair had challenged each other at times as coach and captain.